51Âþ»­

Hundreds of students and staff have helped 51Âþ»­ Leicester (51Âþ»­) win four nominations in the search for the UK’s greenest universities.

51Âþ»­ has been shortlisted in four categories in the Green Gown Awards 2020 which celebrates the work being done in universities and colleges to tackle climate change and promote sustainability.


51Âþ»­’s work to embed the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs) has included encouraging students and staff to pledge individual actions to reduce their carbon footprint and make other small changes that are better for the planet.

Meanwhile the university has halved its carbon emissions, committed to being a zero-carbon campus by 2032 and invested in more than 1,110 solar panels and a biomass boiler.

51Âþ»­ has been shortlisted in the following four Green Gown categories:

•    2030 Climate Action
More than 100 students and staff have taken part in carbon literacy training to understand how choices like transport, clothes, overseas travel and food impact the planet. 51Âþ»­ and the University of Leicester have teamed up with Leicester City Council to deliver the training in city schools. 51Âþ»­ has halved its carbon dioxide emissions since 2005.

•    Campus of the Future
51Âþ»­ has invested £136m in transforming its campus, creating new green space in Leicester and using renewable energy technology. Four of the largest campus buildings generate renewable energy via more than 1,110 solar panels, and a wood biomass boiler cuts out the need to burn fossil fuels.

•    Next Generation Learning and Skills – international students English via SDGs
Every year between 600 and 1,000 international students come to 51Âþ»­’s Centre for English Language Learning. The team has used SDGs as a framework to teach English language and academic skills needed to

•    Research with Impact – Student
Postgraduate student Nalinee Netithammakorn has developed a new way of dyeing textiles at low temperatures and without harsh chemicals traditionally used. Nalinee, a product developer in fashion and textiles in Thailand, aims to change the way the fashion industry colours fabrics and textiles.



The awards are run by the EAUC, the Alliance for Sustainability Leadership in Education. 51Âþ»­ is one of 45 institutions to be nominated in 12 categories. Winners will be announced at an online ceremony in March or April next year.

This year’s UK and Ireland Green Gown Awards’ Finalists, representing 45 institutions, are leading the way with their commitment to the global sustainability agenda and proving the value that universities and colleges bring to the economy and society.

Iain Patton, CEO of EAUC said: “It’s safe to say everything has turned upside down this year. But what is remarkable, is the pure determination and resilience shown by our sector.

“Receiving so many applications from our sustainability communities in this challenging year, and reading their inspiring projects is truly heart-warming in these uncertain times and builds hope for a green recovery and more sustainable future. We also applaud each and every applicant and encourage them to continue on the sustainability path which is now more critical than ever.”